The homeless are at great risk when the weather turns bitterly cold

ROCK COUNTY  The Department of Housing and Urban Development asks for a tally of the homeless in each county twice a year, and with some bitterly cold weather in the forecast, lives may be at risk.

Marc Perry, of Community Action of Rock and Walworth counties, says the last count was conducted four months ago and totaled 46. He says he hopes the number is considerably less than that when the next count is conducted later this month.

The numbers are obtained two ways. First, through agencies that help the homeless, and then by a head count. Perry says the homeless try to find shelter in public places open 24 hours a day, but they've also encountered the homeless in vacant houses and in makeshift camps.

If you're interested in helping with the next count, on the night of January 28th, contact Marc Perry through Community Action at 755-2279.